My task keeps me at a desk for eight straight hours each day, five workdays per week.
I evaluate data that scrolls across a monitor, tape on a keyboard and now and then talk on the phone.
It’s an extremely sedentary kind of work. After three years at my job, I began experiencing a lot of aches plus pains. My neck, shoulders and lower back often gave me problems. I started having concerns with carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow as well as arthritis in my knuckles. I wasn’t eating healthy. I often snacked at my desk which led to me gaining weight. Problems sleeping and headaches were the norm. My productivity at work began to suffer. I debated over quitting my job. I wasn’t aware that many of my coworkers were going through the same problems and had already complained to the management. As I was on the verge of putting in my resignation, a memo came around announcing the start of a corporate wellness program. This program offered us access to a personal trainer who offers classes at the building four days a week. She runs fitness sessions in the early morning and evening, prior to and after the workday. She instructs group classes in a spacious conference room. Anyone who works for the company is allowed to join in for free. I take advantage of it every day. During the lunch hours, we are encouraged to sign up for a session with a nutritionist. She provides free counselling and will design a meal plan tailored to our tastes and ideal weight. Since the early stages of the corporate wellness program, I’ve dropped a great deal of weight. I now enjoy a higher energy level, sleep better and am typically in a better mood. I benefit from superior quality of life. I’ve also seen that I am more active on the weekends than I once was.